Dufferin County Forest – Main Tract

The Dufferin County Forest is a 1,050 hectare (2,596 acre) area divided into twelve tracts located throughout the County. The Forest is owned and managed by the County of Dufferin. The largest single area is the Main Tract (607 hectares/1,501 acres) located in Mulmur Township north of the hamlet of Mansfield.

The Dufferin County Forest is a 2,500 acre forest divided into twelve tracts that are located across Dufferin County. It is managed by the County of Dufferin on a sustainable, multi-use basis.

The forest serves many important functions including erosion and water control, natural heritage protection, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and support of the rural economy through timber production.

Most of the larger tracts have an extensive trail system for hiking, cross-country skiing, non-motorized biking, horseback riding and other recreational activities. Motorized recreation is not permitted, with the exception of snowmobiles on designated OFSC trails.

Features of the Main Tract

largest of the Dufferin County Forest tracts

extensive system of recreational trails which are in the process of being marked and mapped

habitat for many different animals including white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, wild turkeys, porcupine, and a variety of songbirds

a provincially recognized Area of Natural and Scientific Interest, the Oak Ridges South Slope Forest

Name

The Main Tract Trail

Description

This loop trail takes you through the largest of Dufferin County’s forests at 604 hectares. The Main Tract lies next to the Terra Nova wetland complex. As this is a very large property, keep track of where you’re heading and avoid side trails unless you have lots of time. The variety of ecosystems will delight the naturalists in the family. There are both conifer and hardwood plantations, as well as natural upland hardwoods. A red pine plantation by the parking lot is used to demonstrate how thinning a plantation increases productivity in the long-term.

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